NPSL Media

Boston City FC midfielder Isaac Nana Addai has joined Brazilian Campeonato Paulista first division club Ferroviaria on loan.

The Lions’ top scorer found the net 12 times in the National Premier Soccer League and once in the U.S. Open Cup, and led the team with 7 assists, attracting the interest of several clubs. He will be presented to Ferroviara supporters and media before their next home match this Saturday.

The Liberian-born 22-year-old will join the Araraquara-based club in the State of Sao Paulo, subject to international clearance and passing a medical, initially on a three-month deal, with an option for his stay to be extended. Boston City will retain a percentage of any future transfer fee and will continue to monitor Addai’s progress in Brazil, while he is out on loan.

“Isaac impressed consistently in every match this season, so we are happy that he has earned this opportunity to further his career,” said Boston City FC coach Palhinha, himself a former star player in Brazil. “It was no surprise that we received inquiries about him and we are pleased to arrange a loan deal with a successful club in the state of Sao Paulo that has a reputation for developing players.”

Addai won one NPSL National Player of the Week award and was twice named to the Football Manager NPSL Team of the Week this season. In 2016, he won both the NPSL Golden Ball (player of the season) and NPSL Golden Boot (top scorer) awards, scoring 18 goals in only 15 matches. He signed for Boston City from the Rhode Island Reds during the offseason.

“Boston City promised me an opportunity to play at a higher level and I am excited to continue to develop by taking this next step after an enjoyable season here,” said Addai. “My teammates made me feel very welcome and they played a huge part in my success. I am excited by the challenge that lies ahead in Brazil.”

Addai has represented the Liberia Under-23 national team and played professionally in both his native country and Ghana, where he arrived having played soccer in a refugee camp during the Liberian civil war. He played for Accra’s Sovereign Academy for five years in Ghana before joining Buduburam FC and Bago FC for one and two years respectively. He returned to Liberia after the war, but later made the decision to come to America to follow his soccer dream.

Boston City has strong links to Brazil. Coach Palhinha played for the famed national team and with Sao Paulo and Cruzeiro, while owner Renato Valentim is from Manhuaçu in the state of Minas Gerais, which is home to Boston City FC Brasil, formed earlier this year. Coaches are currently selecting players who will be the core of the academy due to launch in September of this year.